April is not off the hook. Even with all of its promise of warmer days and spring awakening and new life it is also a month that we recognize a type of cancer and work to raise awareness. In fact, there are three kinds on the board this month, but this week we'll share some information about testicular cancer.
Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare - which is a great thing! According to the
National Cancer Institute, 8,480 new cases were estimated to be diagnosed last year. That said, testicular cancer is
the most common cancer diagnosed in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. The good news is that is highly treatable! Of those diagnosed last year, there were 350 deaths. That is good news - but in our opinion even a small mortality rate warrants the need for being informed and knowing when to see a doctor.
The most common symptoms as listed by the
Mayo Clinic are as follows:
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
- Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well
Cancer usually affects only one testicle, which should make it easier to detect an abnormality. See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks. Make an appointment with your doctor even if a lump in your testicle isn't painful, as
only a small percentage of testicular cancers are painful from the outset.
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